Written by Nashith Mohammad-san & Chaudhary Ali Mardan Khan-san
The Annual Islamic Culture Festival was held on the 14th of June 2015 held in Beppu Community Center, Beppu Shi, Oita Japan. This event was organized by the “Muslim Friendly” club together with the continuous support from the Beppu City Hall’s Culture Division. The event was organized to make Beppu citizens experience the cultures of several countries and Islamic culture thereby, promoting Beppu as one of the best city for Tourism and Hospitality in Japan. Beppu, is a home to the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific Univeristy, Beppu that hosts students from over 80 countries. Consequently, the diverse student body of the Ristumeikan Asia Pacific University makes Beppu one of the most multi-cultural cities in Japan and an event such as this brought the people together for more sharing of cultures & traditions.
The Recitation of the Quran, is seen as an auspicious practice in the Islamic culture. The event followed a similar practice and the recitation of the Quran culminated the event. For several Japanese and other international visitors it was the first time they heard the Quran being recited. The event was later followed by a performance of Islamic songs that were sung by the band of Makki from APU. The Islamic Cultural Festival’s guest speaker was Professor Dr. Atsushi Kamal Okuda, the professor of the Faculty of Policy Management, Islamic studies and Graduate school of Media and Governance at Keio University, Tokyo. Professor specialized in Islamic law and related fields, and the Arabic language. Since, the month of Ramadan (the holy month of fasting) is near Professor Okuda gave a brief introduction of Ramadan, which enlightened several with information on Ramadan. Professor mentioned the fundamental meaning of Ramadan, the reasons of fasting and its benefits. Not just that, he also shared his first-hand experience of fasting and his feelings.
It is a known fact that, food brings people together. And so, the organizers & other participants from the countries of Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Japan prepared special Halal Food. This gave a chance to the visitors to exchange with the international Muslim students and their respective cuisines, culture. . Moreover, several cultural costumes of several countries were arranged so that people could get a feel of the cultures of various countries.
All in all, the event witnessed a great footfall of visitors. The event was a success because of the help of Beppu City Hall, Beppu Citizens, International students and Muslim families living in and around Beppu. Indeed, Beppu due to events like this has been transforming into a model town that promotes diversity in Japan.
